Welcome to the Visit Athens AL Press Room...

Athens, the Limestone County Seat, sets just 22 miles west of Huntsville at the crossroads Interstate 65, U.S. Highway 72, and US Highway 31. Athens-Limestone Alabama offers festivals for almost every month, 15 family-friendly free trails, museums, attractions and much more to plan your family vacation.

Nestled in the foothills and amid the rolling Tennessee River plains you'll find a variety of items to weave stories around. From our rich history to the unique personalities of community, Southern delicacies to our deep heritage of music, art, and architecture -- we'll enable you to keep pen to paper.



The Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association provides assistance to working press filing stories about Athens-Limestone Alabama as a travel destination. We can answer questions about travel and tourism, arrange press passes attractions, coordinate press visits and point you in the right direction to get the information you need to develop your story about our community.


We look forward to working with you!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Athens State Names Religious Studies Center for Curtis Coleman



For Further Information
Guy McClure
256-233-8296





For immediate release
October 30, 2013


Athens State Names Religious Studies Center for Curtis Coleman

                ATHENS, Ala.  - Athens State University’s Center for Religious Studies and Ethics has been renamed the Curtis Coleman Center for Religious Studies and Ethics.  The name bestowed honors Dr. Curtis Coleman who died in 2010. 

                “This is truly a fitting and justifiable honor to rename the Center for someone who worked so hard in championing religious education in Athens,” state Dr. Robby White, Chairman of Religious Studies and Ethics.  “Dr. Coleman’s legacy and good work should be remembered in perpetuity. This will do just that.”

                Coleman was an ordained United Methodist minister before joining the faculty and staff of Athens College (now Athens State University) in 1966. He was Emeritus Dean and Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Athens State University.

                Coleman’s book, “Stop, Look, and Listen,” is a compilation of many of the articles he wrote for area newspapers.  He generously donated the profits from the book to the Religion Department.

                Coleman was a past president of the Athens Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. He also was a past president of the Athens-Limestone Chamber of Commerce and was chosen as the Citizen of the Year in 1998. Coleman received the Outstanding Teaching Award from the Athens State Alumni Association. Athens State University also honored him by dedicating its new entrance sign in his honor in 2004.

                A reception is planned to formally introduce the name change.   Family, colleagues and friends of Coleman will gather on November 5 at 5:00 p.m. at the Center for Lifelong Learning to celebrate his legacy.  The Center for Lifelong Learning is located at 121 S. Marion Street on the eastside of the Limestone County Courthouse Square.

                The reception is free and open to the public.  For more information on the Curtis Coleman Center for Religious Studies and Ethics visit www.athens.edu/religion or call 256-233-8296.


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Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Jennifer Dean Bunnell Named as Alabama Center for the Arts Coordinator



For Further Information
Guy McClure
256-233-8296




For immediate release
October 29, 2013



Jennifer Dean Bunnell Named as Alabama Center for the Arts Coordinator



Jennifer Dean Bunnell
                DECATUR, Ala. - Athens State University President Robert Glenn and Calhoun Community College President Marilyn Beck have recently announced that Jennifer Dean Bunnell has been named Building Coordinator for the Alabama Center for the Arts, the inter-institutional collegiate center for art instruction, community education, and cultural events. Bunnell will assume her duties on November 4.

                Previously, Bunnell worked in an administrative capacity at the Regional In-Service Center and Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) at Athens State.  Prior to joining the staff of Athens State, she worked with Computer Sciences Corporation (formerly The Pinnacle Group, Inc.) and Intergraph Corporation.

                The position of Building Coordinator for the Alabama Center for the Arts ensures that day-to-day operations are efficiently organized, that facilities are maintained safely and that activities are scheduled appropriately. Bunnell is charged with working jointly with Calhoun and Athens State in a collaborative effort to help expand their efforts in areas of art and drama and promote the facility in the North Alabama region. 

            The Alabama Center for the Arts has been heralded as a model for institutional cooperation in the state.   The 44,000 sq. ft. facility is located at 133 Second Avenue in downtown Decatur across from the Princess Theater.  College courses taught at the facility will lead to Associate of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees with class offerings that include art appreciation, painting, drawing, computer graphics, sculpture, ceramics, pottery and a teaching major leading to licensure for art instructors.

                Phase II construction for the Alabama Center for the Arts is expected to begin in 2014 and will include classroom, theater and lab spaces specified for coursework for both Theater and Music programs.


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Athens State's Athenian Players to present As You Like It


For Further Information
Guy McClure
256-233-8296




For immediate release
October 29, 2013


Athens State’s Athenian Players to present As You Like It


ATHENS, Ala. - The Athenian Players of Athens State University present their production of William Shakespeare’s classic comedy, As You Like It.  This play, directed by Assistant Professor of Drama Dr. Hugh Long, will be performed in Ballroom of the Sandridge Student Center on the Athens State Campus.

Performances will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday November 14 - 16 at 7:30 p.m.   A matinee performance will be held on Sunday November 17 at 1:30 p.m.  Admission will be charged at the door and is $10.00 per person, $7.00 for students and seniors.

“Our mission is to present this Elizabethan comedy and give it a North Alabama spin,” states Long, “The Athenian Players have successfully tugged at our audiences’ heartstrings with the our dramatic productions of The Glass Menagerie and Trojan Women, and now we’d like to shake the trees with laughter in presenting this Shakespearian classic.”

The cast consists of Jensie Britt, Rachel Clifton, Stephanie Cooper, Courtney Croxdale, Daniel Hutton, Trista Irvin, Forrest Johnson, Patrick Kustor, Callie Pierce, Allie Szappan, Tracy Szappan, Jonathan Tyler, and Colin Whitworth.  NaTaya Hastins and Laura Poe will serve as Assistant Directors.  Dr. Kimberly Jacks will coordinate costumes and Vickie Cochran will do the lighting.

More information can be found at www.athens.edu/athenianplayers.


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Stanley Menefee to Deliver State of the County Address


For Further Information
Guy McClure
For immediate release
October 29, 2013


Stanley Menefee to Deliver State of the County Address
               

Athens, ALA - The Athens State University Foundation will be hosting a “State of the County Address” by Limestone County Commission Chairman Stanley Menefee at  11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19 in the Sandridge Student Center.
                Menefee is a lifelong resident of Limestone County and was elected as Chairman of the Limestone County Commission in 2010.  Previously, Menefee served the people of Limestone County for 14 years on the county commission.

“We are pleased to host this event again this year as a chance for the public to hear about the progress and new initiatives for Limestone County,” states Athens State Vice President for Advancement Rick Mould.  “The Athens State Foundation is pleased to partner with Chairman Menefee as we have with other municipalities in the past.”

Tickets are required and cost $20 per person.  A table of four can be purchased for $100, and recognized sponsorships are available for $250 (Gold) and $150 (Silver).    Gold sponsorships will receive two complimentary tables, and silver sponsorship will receive one complimentary table.

All proceeds will support the Athens State University Foundation.   For ticket orders or more information, please contact the Athens State Foundation office at 256-233-8215.


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Thursday, October 24, 2013

Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg LiveStream Webinar at Athens State


For Further Information
Guy McClure
256-233-8296





For immediate release
October 24, 2013


Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg LiveStream Webinar at Athens State


            ATHENS, Ala. - Athens State University will participate along with many other colleges and universities nationwide in a “Lean In” Livestream Viewing Party presented by Facebook COO, Sheryl Sandburg on Monday, October 28th, from 6-7pm Central Time in the Sandridge Student Center Ballroom where she will discuss her new book “Lean In” and the Lean In Foundation’s aims at creating “Lean In” Circles nationwide to promote diversity.  The Livestream is open to students, faculty and staff and any community member wanting to attend.

                Sheryl Sandburg, COO of Facebook, and author of “Lean In” contends that women need to take a more proactive role in advancement into leadership positions.  While employment regulation has brought about substantive change over the last four decades, she affirms there continues to be a disproportionate number of women in leadership positions in both the private and public sector.  She discusses many causes and contributing factors to the challenges and barriers that women face in their career path to positions of leadership which is beneficial for all people, male or female, young or old, to understand and be part of the revolution for increasing female presence in leading organizational segments and a place “at the table.”   These solutions can create an environment where everyone has opportunities to do their best work and get recognized for it.

                The Athens State University Society for Human Resource Management and Athens State University Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Alumni Association will co-sponsor the event with pizza and refreshments.  There is no cost to attend and no advance registration is required.  Any questions about this event may be directed to Dr. Kim LaFevor at kim.lafevor@athens.edu.

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Athens State Business Students Visit Steelcase Athens


For Further Information
Guy McClure
256-233-8296




For immediate release
October 24, 2013


Athens State Business Students Visit Steelcase Athens

           
            ATHENS, Ala. - On October 8th 2013, Steelcase Athens hosted a site visit for 50 faculty and students from Athens State University, College of Business.  The students were from classes that focus on Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, MIS, and Operations Management.  They toured the plant to see first-hand how lean principles and processes are practiced throughout the facility. 

                “It’s part of our daily work culture,” said Don Byford, the Lean Team Supervisor.  The plant tour focused on how materials are received, processed in manufacturing, and then moved through the Facility Distribution Center en route to the customer. 

                As a highlight to the evening, the students gained access to what the plant calls the “Nerve Center” – otherwise known as Communication Central.  Doug Batdorff, the Steelcase plant manager, explained that the “Nerve Center” serves as a hub for communication, accountability, metrics, and lean projects.  Each of the value streams, or production areas, provide real-time data feeds to the hub.  Four Lean Management System, LMS, meetings are held daily in the hub to discuss potential disruptions to customer orders, thus impacting productivity and profitability.  Mr. Batdorff told the students that Steelcase looks for management candidates with strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The ability to recognize a problem, determine the root cause, and then present a solution with the least disruption to productivity is a skill that is required in a competitive, global manufacturing environment.  The tour ended with an insightful, impromptu Q&A with both groups huddled in his office.  Students listened intently as Mr. Batdorff explained his daily standard work and how he runs such a large operation. 

                 “Athens State University and Steelcase have had a wonderful working relationship for years,” said Ronnie Knox.  “Their commitment to serving the community in which they do business, and championing the educational development of local students, is a great asset to our area.”  



                The event was organized by Susan Calhoun, Steelcase Materials Planning and adjunct faculty member at Athens State University, along with Michelle McCoy, a recent graduate of Athens State University and Steelcase Material Planner.  Steelcase tour guides included Don Byford, the Lean Team Supervisor, Chuck Blystone, Supervisor Material Handling and Distribution, Doug Danley, Materials Transformation Team, Wes Allen, the Factory Distribution Center Lead, and Pearl Bridgeforth.   Representatives from Athens State University were Guy McClure, the Athens State Director of Marketing, Public Relations and Publications, Stacie Hughes, Assistant Professor of Accounting, Linda Hemingway, Associate Professor of Accounting, Sam Khoury, Assistant Professor of Logistics and MIS, Kim Roberts, Assistant Professor, Operations Management, and Steve Cox, Assistant Professor of Management. 


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Athens State English Society Endows Scholarship Honoring A.E. Elmore

For Further Information
Guy McClure

For immediate release
October 24, 2013


Athens State English Society Endows Scholarship Honoring A.E. Elmore

                ATHENS, Ala. - The Kappa Zeta Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta English honor society at Athens State University has recently completed their endowment of the A. E. Elmore English Scholarship.  The scholarship is named for and honors the recently retired Professor A. E. (Al) Elmore.  With its endowment, the scholarship will make funds available in perpetuity to students with a concentration in English.
                 Sigma Tau Delta raised the funds by partnering with the Limestone County Cattlemen's Association, who sell ribeye steak sandwiches during the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention.  The group initially created the scholarship in 2009 and it is now fully endowed paying dividends to fund the scholarship yearly.
                Sigma Tau Delta was chartered on the Athens State campus in 1954.  Its sponsor is Bebe Gish Shaw, Ph.D., Professor and Chairman of the English Department.
                Historically, Sigma Tau Delta members pledge “to endeavor to advance the study of the chief literary masterpieces, to encourage worthwhile reading, to promote the mastery of written expression, and to foster a spirit of fellowship among students specializing in the English language and literature, ever keeping in mind [their] international motto:  Sincerity, Truth, Design."  

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Pictured:  Dr. Bebe Gish Shaw presents a check to Athens State Vice President Rick Mould endowing the A.E. Elmore Scholarship.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Athens State Announces Founders Queen and Court




For further information:
Guy McClure
                                      256-233-8296
            Guy.McClure@athens.edu






For immediate release
October 23, 2013

 

Athens State Announces Founders Queen and Court


            Athens, ALA. - On Tuesday, October 22, Athens State University Vice President Rick Mould crowned Haley Lewter as this year’s Founders Queen.  Lewter is from Ardmore, and is the daughter of Tim and Diane Lewter.  She transferred to Athens State from Calhoun Community College and is a junior majoring in Secondary English and Language Arts. 

Named as members of this year’s Founders Court included Amanda Cates, Lacee Holiday Doucette, Kyleen Kirkland, and Bailey Smith. 


 “Founders Queen and Court is an historic event that has taken place at Athens State University for over fifty years,” said Director of Student Activities Tena Bullington.  “These honors have been bestowed upon women exemplifying Athens State’s mission and as those chosen are voted upon by their student peers it is truly an honor.”

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Attached picture left to right:  Amanda Cates, Lacee Holiday Doucette, Kyleen Kirland, Vice President Rick Mould, Founders Queen Haley Lewter, and Bailey Smith.


Limestone Bay at Athens State Now Open on Campus



For Further Information
Guy McClure
256-233-8296






For immediate release
October 23, 2013


Limestone Bay at Athens State Now Open on Campus


                ATHENS, Ala. - Athens State University has recently remodeled its cafeteria located in the Sandridge Student Center and it has reopened under new management.  Dee Green of Limestone Bay Trading Company of Mooresville took over the daily food preparation and catering responsibilities on October 1. 

                “We are excited about this not only for our students, faculty and staff, but also to be able to invite the public at large to enjoy the services of our cafeteria,” states Mike McCoy, Athens State Vice President for Financial Affairs.

                Limestone Bay at Athens State is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  Daily specials are offered along with standard grill options.   The Sandridge Student Center is located in the middle of the Athens State campus between Pryor and Hobbs Streets.

                “We opened a few days before the Fiddlers Convention and have been thrilled with the response,” states Green.  “We feel we have a good handle on what people are wanting and are pleased to be offering it to them.  Between our standard fare and our daily specials, I think we have come up with a really good menu.”


                Limestone Bay at Athens State is open to the general public, not just members of the Athens State University family.
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Pictured:  Dee Green of Limestone Bay at Athens State in the newly renovated cafeteria.


Monday, October 21, 2013

Athens State Alumni Group Teaming with Local Organizations to Sponsor Italy Trip


For Further Information
Guy McClure
256-233-8296







For immediate release
October 21, 2013


Athens State Alumni Group Teaming with Local Organizations to Sponsor Italy Trip
               

                ATHENS, Ala. - The Athens State University Alumni Association has teamed up with The Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce and the Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation to offer an exciting group trip to Italy.  Collette Vacations’ “Reflections of Italy” tour is a 10-day trip leaving on October 15, 2014 and returning on October 24, 2014. Pricing starts at $3999 per person double occupancy and includes round trip air from Huntsville.

                “As we prepare for our first international trip to Ireland in November, the University is excited to partner with the Hospital Foundation and Chamber of Commerce for the Reflections of Italy tour for 2014," remarks Athens State Director of Alumni Affairs Trish DiLullo.

                Revel in the magic of Italy and explore the cities of Rome, Florence, Siena, Venice, Assisi, Perugia and Como. Travel the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, exploring medieval hill towns and visiting the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi. Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence and see hot glass transformed into exquisite art on Murano Island. Linger in Venice for two nights before ending your journey in the lovely Italian Lake region. Cross the border and explore the Swiss town of Lugano.

                “It’s exciting to partner with Athens State and The Chamber of Commerce to offer our community the opportunity to experience these great trips while at the same time promoting our Hospital and Foundation,” states Hospital CEO Kelli Powers.

                Chamber President Jennifer Williamson added, “We are proud to offer this experience to the various supporters of our organizations.  It will be educational and fun, and an opportunity to travel with new friends.  What a great way to bring our organizations together!”

                Book your trip early- the price increases after April 15, 2014.  Call Pamela Rigsby with SooHoo & Associates and Cruise One at 256-513-8337 or 256-714-6375 or toll free at 1-800-894-2210 for more information. You can also contact the Chamber at 256-232-2600, the Hospital Foundation at 256-233-9230 or the University at 256-233-8185 for additional details.


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Athens State University's Phi Theta Kappa to Sponsor Holiday Bazaar


For Further Information
Guy McClure
256-233-8296




For immediate release
October 21, 2013


Athens State University’s Phi Theta Kappa to Sponsor Holiday Bazaar

               
                ATHENS, Ala. - The Athens State University Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Association is planning a Holiday Bazaar to raise money for the honor society’s scholarships and other civic projects.  The event will be held on Tuesday November 5 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and Saturday November 9 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  The bazaar will be located in the Sandridge Student Center on the Athens State University campus and is open to the public.

                The Holiday Bazaar will feature vendors offering gift items and baked goods.  The society is currently in search of vendors for the bazaar, those interested should contact Club Sponsor Dr. Kim LaFevor at 256-216-5359 or Chapter President Hannah Kilpatrick at hkilpatr@my.athens.edu

                The mission of the Athens State University Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Association is to support the people, programs and priorities of the Phi Theta Kappa Society.  Alumni have valuable contributions to make to Phi Theta Kappa.  Through alumni support, the integrity of the Society’s programs and service will be protected and new programs and services can be developed and offered in the future.

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Calhoun to Host BEST Robotics Competition This Week



October 21, 2013


Calhoun to Host BEST (Boosting Engineering Science and Technology) Robotics Competition this Week


Close to 1000 middle and high school students, teachers and parents representing 13 schools from across north Alabama and Southern Tennessee will descend on the Decatur campus of Calhoun Community College this Saturday, Oct. 26,  2013, to participate in  the Tennessee Valley (TVB) BEST (Boosting Engineering Science and Technology) robotics competition.  The competition kicks off on Saturday morning in Calhoun's Kelley Gym.
Presented by Calhoun and Auburn University and sponsored by Toyota and Decatur Daybreak Rotary, the BEST competition has been described by organizers as being like a basketball game, chess match and science fair all rolled into one day, with cheerleaders, mascots, pep bands, and wildly cheering adults and kids mixed in.
While the actual team competition kicks off at 11:00am on Saturday, a number of activities connected to the event will take place on Thursday and Friday to include the Engineering Notebook, Webpage, and Spirit and Sportsmanship judging and the Marketing presentations.
       Kits for building the competition robots consist of plywood and a box filled with items such as PVC pipe, screws and other hardware, an irrigation valve cover, piano wire, an aluminum paint grid, a bicycle inner tube, and a micro-energy chain system.  Teams have had approximately two months to design a functioning machine which will perform certain specific tasks in three minutes during Saturday's competition.
       "Industry across the state views the BEST robotics competition as an ideal workforce development program because in the process of building their robots, the students learn to identify and analyze design problems, brainstorm solutions for them, and build and test their designs, all in a team-building atmosphere," commented Calhoun President Marilyn Beck.        
        Area schools  participating in this year's competition are the Academy for Science and Foreign Language (Huntsville); Athens Bible School (Athens); Bob Jones High School (Madison); Decatur/Austin High Schools (Decatur); Decatur Heritage Christian Academy (Decatur); Grissom High School (Huntsville); Lincoln County High School Design Drafting Program (Fayetteville, TN); Lindsay Lane Christian Academy (Athens); New Century Technology High School (Huntsville); Randolph High School (Huntsville); Riverside Christian Academy (Fayetteville, TN); Sparkman High School (Madison); St. Peter's Academy (Huntsville); and Way Home Christian School (Huntsville).
BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) is a national, non-profit, volunteer organization whose mission is to inspire students to pursue careers in engineering, science, and technology through participation in a sports-like, science- and engineering-based robotics competition.  BEST started in 1993 in Dallas, Texas, and has grown to be the second largest robotics competition in the nation.  Calhoun has sponsored the Tennessee Valley BEST competition since 2007.

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ED NOTE:  EVENT SCHEDULE BELOW

<![if !vml]><![endif]>Tennessee Valley BEST 2013
Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology
                                                                                                      
       Sponsored by Toyota and Decatur Daybreak Rotary


Presented by Auburn University and Calhoun Community College, Decatur
Competition Schedule

(Unless noted otherwise, all events at the Kelley Gymnasium at Calhoun Community College, Decatur)

Thursday, October 24
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm      Engineering Notebook Judging                          Noble Russell 109
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm      Web page Judging                                            NR RM 111
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm      CAD judging                                                     NR RM 111      

Friday, October 25

1:00 pm – 8:00 pm      Team Exhibit setup                                            Kelley Gym, 2nd floor, East
                                                                     
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm      Lunch and Judges Orientation                            Noble Russell RM 150
                                  (Marketing Presentation Judges only)
1:45 pm                      First team Check-in                                            NR RM 111
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm      Marketing Presentations                                                NR RM 150 or RM 151

Saturday, October 26
8:00 am – 5:00 pm      Concessions Open                                           Front Gym Entrance
(Chick-fil-A, Domino's and Pepsi Cola)
7:00 am –   9:00 am   Robot Compliance Check-in*                             Pit
7:00 am –   9:00 am   Team Exhibit setup                                            Kelley Gym, 2nd floor, East
7:00 am –   9:30 am   Breakfast for judges, volunteers and crew          Kelley Gym, 2nd floor, West
7:00 am –   9:00 am   Team Registration and Check-in                         First floor entrance
 9:00 am –   9:30 am   Drivers Meeting and Referees Meeting               Pit
9:30 am – 10:30 am    Driving Practice and continued                           Game Floor and Pit
9:30 am – 10:00 am    Judges Orientation                                            Kelley Gym
                                  (Except for Marketing Presentation Judges)
10:00 am – 12 noon    Team Exhibits Judging                                      Kelley Gym, 2nd floor, East        
10:00 am  - 12 noon    Spirit and Sportsmanship Judging                     Everywhere
11:00 am – 12 noon    Competition begins
12 noon  –  1:00 pm   Pit Closed, Lunch Break



Saturday, October 26

1:00 pm                     Robotics Competition Continues                                    Game Floor
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm     Special Awards Competition Continues              Kelley Gym
1:00 pm -  2:00 pm     Spirit & Sportsmanship Judging Continues         Everywhere
2:00 pm                     Submit Coaches Poll Ballot                               Pit Crew Manager
(All teams)                 
2:00 pm                     Submit Spirit and Sportsmanship                       Pit Crew Manager
                                              (BEST Award teams only)
4:00pm – 4:45 pm       Semi-final matches
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm      Championship Round                                        Game Floor
6:30 pm – 7:00 pm      Awards Ceremony                                             Main Floor

Following awards        Returnables Check-in                                         Pit
                                  Advancing teams -Team Photos                         Main Floor
South's BEST Team Meeting for                                  Judges' Room
     advancing teams

*Note: Each robot must complete and pass Compliance Check-in before being allowed to compete.
            Time scheduled for all are approximate times.


Calhoun VP Selected to Attend Prestigious Executive Leadership Institute




October 21, 2013


Calhoun VP Selected to Attend Prestigious Executive Leadership Institute

        Alicia Taylor, vice president for instruction and student success at Calhoun Community
College, has been selected by a national review panel as one of only 32 community college leaders from around the country and the only one from Alabama to attend the prestigious Executive Leadership Institute, sponsored by the League for Innovation in the Community College.  The 32 participants hold senior-level leadership positions in community colleges throughout the United States.

        Gerardo E. de los Santos, president and CEO of the League for Innovation, said, "The review panel was extremely impressed with the quality of the applicants, which speaks well for the future vitality of the community colleges."

        The Institute, to be held in Phoenix, Arizona, December 8-13, 2013, provides an opportunity for potential community college presidents or those in transition to review their abilities and interests, to refine their skills, and to participate in discussions on leadership with an outstanding array of faculty drawn from among nationally and internationally recognized community college leaders.  These include community college chief executive officers, experts in leadership development, community college trustees, presidential search consultants, members of the League for Innovation board of directors, and other prominent figures.  Dr. Jackson Sasser, former vice president at Calhoun and currently president at Santa Fe College (FL), serves as a member of the faculty for the Institute.

        "I was extremely pleased to hear of Vice President Taylor's selection for this leadership institute," commented Calhoun President Marilyn Beck.  "Through her work here at Calhoun, she has demonstrated her outstanding leadership ability and her commitment to and true understanding of the mission of the community college.  I think she has a very bright and promising future in college leadership, and this institute will help to prepare her for that future," Beck added.

        This is the Executive Leadership Institute's twenty-fifth year preparing senior-level community college administrators to successfully fill the presidential role.

        The League is an international association dedicated since 1968 to catalyzing the community college movement.  The League hosts conferences and institutes; develops web resources; conducts research; produces publications; provides services; and leads projects and initiatives with member colleges, corporate partners, and other agencies in a continuing effort to make a positive difference for students and communities.

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